Office of Aging and Disability Services, Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology helps people be more independent and makes tasks easier. Items include "gadgets" (such as utensils, talking clocks, self-threading needles, telephone amplifiers) and larger equipment (wheelchairs, chair lifts, scooters), as well as computer- and phone-based adaptations. To locate an adaptive/medical equipment supplier in your area, contact your Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771.

Alpha One is a statewide organization offering an adaptive equipment low-interest loan program; independent living skills instruction; adaptive and mobility equipment and selection (trial rentals); driver evaluation; access design consultation; information and referral; and personal care attendant services.

Alpha One or visit www.mpowerloans.org.

disabilities purchase services and adaptive equipment such as hand controls, or lifts for vehicles, ramps, roll-in showers, hearing aids, TTY’s, or flashing alarms or signals.

medical prescription to the equipment supplier). With the exception of bedside commodes, Medicare does not cover bathroom equipment (tub seats, grab bars, etc.). If a person has MaineCare coverage, it may pay for these items. Medicare Part B will usually cover 80% of the Medicare approved cost of covered items if the equipment meets the following requirements:

• 
  It is medically necessary
  
• 
  It is appropriate for use in the home
  
• 
  It fills a medical need
  
• 
  It is reusable (durable)
  

For more information about DME contact your Area Agency on Aging or the Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier

(DMERC), HealthNow New York, Inc., at

1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) or dial 711 Maine Relay.

A list of medical equipment suppliers can be found in the yellow pages of the phone book under "Hospital Equipment."
Hear Now

A program of The Starkey Foundation, Hear Now, works to provide hearing aids to financially-qualified individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford one. To obtain an application call your Area Agency on Aging, contact The Starkey Foundation at 1-800-328-8602, or download an application at www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org.

The Iris Network provides services for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Services are available for people of all ages including diagnosis, adaptive and living skills training, and referral to other appropriate resources for the provision of aids and appliances. Contact The Iris Network at

1-800-715-0097 (Voice/TTY) or visit www.theiris.org.
Maine Center on Deafness

The Maine Center on Deafness (MCD) provides resources to individuals who are deaf, late-deafened or hard-of-hearing.

that relay users may have accessing the Maine Relay Service

(MERS) and completing calls. For information call MCD

at 1-800-639-3884 (Voice/TTY) or visit www.mcdmaine.org.

related to assistive technology. Contact 207-947-9180 or visit www.alltech-tsi.org.

Many organizations have loan closets and will lend out various medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, etc.). Contact your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771.

A personal emergency response system is an electronic device that helps people call for help when they cannot get to a phone. The system is programmed to signal a response center once a "HELP" button is activated. Units which detect falls are also available. For information call your Area Agency on Aging.